Gracie Mae’s Bakery was founded during the height of the pandemic when its owner, Tiana Barnes, was at home with her children due to health risks. Finding herself with the time and inspiration to bake, Barnes quickly built a loyal following as her cookies and other confections gained popularity among neighbors, coworkers and the wider community.
Named in tribute to her maternal and paternal grandmothers, Gracie Mae’s Bakery specializes in gourmet cookies, cakes, sweet breads and cupcakes. The banana pudding cookie has emerged as the best-seller, even securing recognition at the Cumberland County State Fair. Seasonal favorites, such as an upscale sugar cookie called the blizzard cookie, also attract customers during the winter months.
“This is a passion,” shared Barnes. “[Cookies are] what I started out with, and that’s what I love to bake most. So I do gourmet cookies, and I love doing different flavor profiles.”…